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2023’s Best Multiroom Speakers: Reviews and Recommendations

25 September 2023

In the ever-evolving world of technology, multiroom speakers have become the unsung heroes of home audio systems. They allow us to create a harmonious symphony that flows seamlessly from room to room, setting the perfect mood for any occasion. In 2023, the world of multiroom speakers has witnessed some remarkable innovations and upgrades, making it crucial for us to identify the top contenders in this arena.

At goated.tech, where “goat” stands for the “greatest of all tech,” we take our mission seriously. We’ve scoured the market, analyzed the latest offerings, and listened to the melodies they produce to bring you a comprehensive review of the best multiroom speakers of 2023. Whether you’re an audiophile, a design enthusiast, or someone seeking a budget-friendly option, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the world of multiroom speakers and discover the true gems of 2023.

The Elite Rankings

We begin our journey with a lineup of exceptional multiroom speaker systems that have earned their spots as the best of the year:

Sonos Era 100 – Jump to Review
Audio Pro Addon C3 – Jump to Review
Ruark MRx – Jump to Review
Bluesound Pulse Flex 2i – Jump to Review
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin – Jump to Review
Denon Heos – Jump to Review
Bose SoundTouch – Jump to Review
Google Nest Audio speaker – Jump to Review

These systems are rated based on their performance, connectivity, build quality, and value for money. Most of them are compatible with voice assistants such as Siri, Google Assistant, and Amazon’s Alexa, or you can control them via a mobile app. Whether you want to immerse your home in a symphony or enjoy different tunes in each room, these speakers offer versatility and innovation.

1. Sonos Era 100: A Sound Revolution

Strengths:

Sleek and durable design.
Excellent sound quality with dual tweeters and improved bass.
Supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, AirPlay 2, and Sonos voice control.
USB-C line-in for external audio sources.
Seamless integration with existing Sonos ecosystems.

Weaknesses:

Bass can be overpowering at times.
Lacks support for Google Assistant, limiting voice control options.

Our journey into the world of multiroom speakers begins with the Sonos Era 100, a speaker that’s poised to set new standards in audio excellence. Serving as the successor to the popular Sonos One, this speaker packs several improvements under its sleek exterior.

Design and Build

The Era 100 maintains the signature Sonos design, effortlessly blending into any room. With a weight of 4.4 pounds, it’s solidly built, ensuring durability while exuding elegance.

Sound Quality

When it comes to sound quality, the Era 100 raises the bar. Dual tweeters create a stereo sound experience, while a larger woofer delivers bass that surpasses its predecessor, the Sonos One. However, some critics note that the bass can be overpowering at times, and the improvement in sound quality over the Sonos One is less than expected.

Features and Usability

The Era 100 supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, AirPlay 2, and Sonos voice control. It also boasts a USB-C line-in for external audio sources. However, it lacks support for Google Assistant, making it less versatile than some rivals.

Price and Verdict

With a price tag of $249, the Sonos Era 100 offers a range of features and improvements over its predecessor. It’s an excellent choice for those who value superior sound quality, sleek design, and advanced connectivity.

2. Audio Pro Addon C3: Portable Excellence

Strengths:

Compact design with rear-firing bass reflex port.
Impressive sound quality with balanced audio output.
Up to 30 hours of battery life.
Multi-room capability for synchronized audio.
Affordable pricing.

Weaknesses:

Slightly weighty build.
Room for improvement in the control app.

Next up is the Audio Pro Addon C3, a portable multiroom speaker that’s making waves in the audio market. Combining portability with remarkable sound quality, this speaker offers a compelling package.

Design and Build Quality

The Addon C3 boasts a compact design with a rear-firing bass reflex port that enhances sound quality. It’s a versatile addition to any room, be it your kitchen counter, bookshelf, or patio.

Sound Quality

When it comes to sound, the Addon C3 impresses. It delivers mature, refined sound with impeccable timing, textured bass, and detailed delivery. Featuring two Class-D amplifiers, a woofer for mid-range and bass, and a tweeter for crisp highs, it offers balanced audio output across music genres.

Portability and Battery Life

The Addon C3 is portable but not designed for constant travel. It’s better suited for patios or holiday homes. With up to 30 hours of battery life at moderate volumes, it’s ready to entertain for extended periods.

Connectivity and Multi-room Capability

Supporting Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, the Addon C3 offers multiple streaming options. Its standout feature is multi-room capability, allowing you to sync music across different rooms, perfect for creating a comprehensive home audio system.

Price and Verdict

Priced affordably, the Audio Pro Addon C3 is an excellent choice for those seeking portability, impressive sound quality, and multi-room capabilities. Its only drawbacks are a slightly weighty build and room for improvement in the control app.

3. Ruark MRx: Retro Elegance

Strengths:

Excellent build quality with a clean, minimalist design.
Well-suited for gentle classical music, acoustic ballads, and light pop/rock.
Offers internet radio, Spotify Connect, Tidal, and Deezer integration.

Weaknesses:

Struggles with harder, more energetic music genres.
Limited range of supported devices and streaming services through the app.
Divisive placement of the control dial.
Not readily available in many countries.

The Ruark MRx is a wireless speaker that combines style, functionality, and sound quality.

Design and Build

The MRx maintains the Ruark family aesthetic, featuring clean lines and retro styling. It boasts nicely curved edges and impeccable build quality. However, opinions may differ on the placement of the control dial.

Sound Quality

This speaker excels with genres like gentle classical music, acoustic ballads, and light pop/rock. However, it may struggle with harder, more energetic music styles.

Features

Once connected to the internet via Wi-Fi or wired ethernet, the MRx provides access to songs on NAS drives or laptops connected to the same network. It also includes internet radio, Spotify Connect, Tidal, and Deezer integration. However, it falls short in terms of device and streaming service support compared to some competitors.

Price

The Ruark MRx is priced at $499, which may be considered relatively high compared to other speakers in the market.

Verdict

In summary, the Ruark MRx offers superb build quality and a distinctive design. However, its higher price point and limited features may not cater to all users. If you prioritize aesthetics and sound quality and are an Alexa user, the MRx could still be a solid choice.

4. Bluesound Pulse Flex 2i: Google’s Companion

Strengths:

Sleek and compact design.
Impressive sound quality with advanced bass driver and DirectDigital™ amp.
Up to 30 hours of battery life.
Multi-room capability for synchronized audio.
Competitive pricing.

Weaknesses:

Best suited for indoor use.
Limited streaming service options compared to some competitors.

The Bluesound Pulse Flex 2i is a powerful multiroom speaker that caters to the Google ecosystem. Its versatility and robust sound quality make it a compelling choice.

Design and Build Quality

The Pulse Flex 2i boasts a sleek, compact design that fits seamlessly into any room. Its build quality ensures durability, although it’s best suited for indoor use.

Sound Quality

Sound quality is where the Pulse Flex 2i shines. It features a state-of-the-art bass driver for rich, detailed sound. The advanced DirectDigital™ amp delivers impressive audio performance, making it suitable for various music genres.

Portability and Battery Life

While portable, the Pulse Flex 2i is more suited for patio use, holiday homes, or desktop placement. Its battery offers up to 30 hours of playback at moderate volumes.

Connectivity and Multi-room Capability

Supporting Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, the Pulse Flex 2i provides flexibility in streaming options. Its multi-room capability lets you create synchronized audio experiences.

Streaming Services and Power Output

This speaker supports Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal. It boasts a total power output of 25 watts.

Price and Verdict

With a competitive price point, the Bluesound Pulse Flex 2i caters to Google users with its seamless integration. Its robust sound quality and multi-room capabilities make it a strong contender.

5. Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin: Audiophile’s Dream

Strengths:

Unique and artistic design.
Excellent sound quality, offering detail, clarity, and stereo separation. It has a strong and thumping bass, and can get quite loud.
Versatile streaming options with Apple AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth.
Top-notch build quality.

Weaknesses:

Priced at $799, the Zeppelin is considered expensive compared to other speakers in the market.
Despite its high price, the Zeppelin has limited hi-res support and does not support Chromecast or UPnP.
Only supports Amazon Alexa for smart functionality.
Lacks any sort of IP rating, so it should be kept away from moisture and dust.

For those seeking audiophile-grade sound and unique design, the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin is a standout choice. This speaker marries cutting-edge audio technology with an eye-catching design.

Design and Build Quality

The Zeppelin is an artful masterpiece. Its unique shape, blending industrial and artistic elements, is a conversation starter. The build quality is top-notch, ensuring it lasts for years.

Sound Quality

When it comes to sound, the Zeppelin shines. Featuring two Double Dome tweeters, two midrange drivers, and a 6.5-inch subwoofer, it delivers audiophile-grade sound with precision and depth.

Connectivity and Multi-room Capability

Supporting Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Bluetooth, the Zeppelin offers versatile streaming options. However, it lacks multi-room capability, which may be a drawback for some.

Price and Verdict

Priced higher than some competitors, the Zeppelin is for those who prioritize superior sound quality and unique design. While it lacks multi-room capabilities, it’s a striking addition to any audiophile’s collection.

6. Denon HEOS: Versatility for All

Strengths:

Versatile speaker lineup for various room sizes.
Excellent sound quality with precision drivers and advanced DSP processing.
Supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Apple AirPlay 2.
Multi-room capability for expanding your audio setup.
Compatible with popular streaming services and voice assistants.

Weaknesses:

May not have the same brand recognition as some competitors.

The Denon HEOS is a versatile multiroom speaker system that caters to both consumers and businesses. Its scalability and robust performance make it a practical choice.

Design and Build Quality

The HEOS lineup features various speaker sizes and designs, ensuring there’s an option for every room. Build quality is reliable, built to withstand continuous use.

Sound Quality

Denon takes sound quality seriously. The HEOS system boasts precision drivers and advanced DSP processing, delivering excellent audio performance.

Connectivity and Multi-room Capability

With support for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Apple AirPlay 2, HEOS offers extensive connectivity options. Its multi-room capability lets you expand your audio setup as needed.

Streaming Services and Voice Control

HEOS supports popular streaming services and voice assistants such as Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

Price and Verdict

With a range of options, Denon HEOS caters to various budgets and needs. Its versatility and reliability make it a go-to choice for consumers and businesses alike.

7. Bose SoundTouch: Affordable Dependability

Strengths:

Simple and unobtrusive design.
Clear and balanced sound quality.
Affordable pricing.
Multi-room capability for synchronized audio.
Compatible with popular streaming services (though no built-in voice control).

Weaknesses:

Not as audiophile-focused as some competitors.
Requires external devices for voice control integration.

For those seeking a dependable multiroom speaker system without breaking the bank, the Bose SoundTouch delivers on affordability and reliability.

Design and Build Quality

Bose’s design ethos revolves around simplicity. The SoundTouch speakers have a clean, unobtrusive design. Build quality ensures longevity.

Sound Quality

While not as audiophile-focused as some competitors, Bose prioritizes clear, balanced sound. It’s well-suited for casual listening.

Connectivity and Multi-room Capability

The SoundTouch lineup supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It offers multi-room capabilities for synchronized audio experiences.

Streaming Services and Voice Control

The SoundTouch system is compatible with popular streaming services. While it doesn’t have built-in voice control, it can be integrated with voice assistants through external devices.

Price and Verdict

With an attractive price point, the Bose SoundTouch is a budget-friendly choice for those who want dependable multiroom speakers with good sound quality.

8. Google Nest Audio Speaker: Budget-Friendly Brilliance

Strengths:

Modern and minimalist design.
Impressive sound quality for its price range.
Google Assistant compatibility for voice control.
Budget-friendly pricing.
Compact and easy to place anywhere.

Weaknesses:

Lacks dedicated multi-room features.
Limited streaming service options compared to some competitors.

Last but not least, we have the Google Nest Audio speaker. While not a traditional multiroom speaker system, it’s a budget-friendly option for those looking to enhance their home audio experience.

Design and Build Quality

The Nest Audio speaker sports a modern, minimalist design. It’s compact, making it easy to place anywhere in your home.

Sound Quality

Surprisingly, this budget-friendly speaker delivers impressive sound quality. It features a 75mm woofer and a 19mm tweeter, resulting in clear audio with a balanced mix of highs and lows.

Connectivity and Multi-room Capability

The Nest Audio speaker supports both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. However, it doesn’t have a dedicated multi-room feature, which may be a drawback for some users.

Voice Control

As a Google product, it’s compatible with Google Assistant, allowing for convenient voice control of your music and smart home devices.

Price and Verdict

With a wallet-friendly price, the Google Nest Audio speaker offers a cost-effective way to boost your home audio. While it lacks dedicated multi-room features, its sound quality and Google Assistant integration make it a solid choice.

Conclusion: The Symphonic Spectrum of Multiroom Speakers in 2023

In the realm of multiroom speakers, 2023 offers an exciting array of options catering to diverse preferences and budgets. Whether you prioritize top-notch sound quality, stylish design, smart features, or affordability, you’re sure to find a multiroom speaker system that suits your needs. From the sophisticated Sonos Era 100 to the portable Audio Pro Addon C3, the retro charm of the Ruark MRx, and the powerful sound of the Bluesound Pulse Flex 2i, these speakers each bring something unique to the table.

Let’s not forget the audiophile-grade sound and unique design of the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin, the versatility of the Denon HEOS system, the affordability of the Bose SoundTouch, and the budget-friendly yet capable Google Nest Audio speaker.

Remember that individual preferences may vary, so it’s always a good idea to listen to a system before making a final decision. In the world of multiroom speakers, there’s no one-size-fits-all, but the options in 2023 are certainly “goat” (greatest of all tech) in their own unique ways.

So, whether you’re creating a harmonious home with synchronized music in every room or enjoying different tunes in different spaces, these multiroom speakers are ready to elevate your audio experience to the next level. Choose the one that resonates with your style, needs, and budget, and you’ll be well on your way to creating your own symphony at home.

That’s it for our in-depth review of the best multiroom speakers of 2023. We hope this guide helps you find the perfect addition to your audio setup. Stay tuned for more tech reviews and insights on goated.tech, where we bring you the greatest of all things tech. Until next time, keep the music playing and the tech evolving! 🐐🔊🎶

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